Profile of Intentional Self-Poisoning Cases among Adolescents at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria – A 2-year review

Abstract

Background: Intentional self-poisoning (Deliberate self-poisoning) is fast becoming a major public health problem, especially among  adolescents. The period of adolescence is tumultuous for some adolescents. This study describes the socio-demographic profile of  adolescents managed for intentional self-poisoning at the Paediatric Unit of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria  

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. The records of 10 adolescents managed for intentional self-poisoning from  December 2021 to November 2023 were reviewed. Data extracted included age, sex, name of substances ingested, duration of admission  and treatment outcome.

Results: There were 4(40.0%) males and 6(60.0%) females. The median age of adolescents with intentional self- poisoning was 15.0 years (interquartile range 13.0- 15.3 years). The agents ingested were organophosphate 5(50.0%), paraquat 3 (30.0%) and substances not documented 2(20.0%). The mean (standard deviation) duration of admission was 1.7 (1.06) days. Six (60.0%) were  discharged, 1(10.0%) left against medical advice and 3(30.0%) deaths were recorded. All the 3 that died ingested paraquat. Most of the  patients took the substances because they were reprimanded for ill behaviours and 2(20.0%) had associated diagnosed psychiatric  disorders.

Conclusion: In this study, there were more females with intentional self-poisoning and the mortalities were in those that  ingested paraquat. Campaigns on the prevention of poisoning, particularly among adolescents, should be intensified. In addition, enforcement of regulations on lethal herbicides and pesticides is recommended. Furthermore, the establishment of poison control  centres will help significantly in improving the outcome of care and research about preventive measures.